I'll Just Turn Off the WiFi...

"That's okay, I'll just use my phone," responds one teen.

"How am I supposed to know when the guys are at the park?" queries the other.

"My Kindle won't work!" squeals the girl.

Go outside and play. Go get dirty. Get sweaty. Swim. Play basketball.

"It's too hot out," states one child.

"You turned off the WiFi so I have no way of knowing where my friends are," complains another.

"I want go to to Gramma's," demands the third.

I try to think back to when I was a kid.

I lived on 3 acres with my nearest neighbor (who didn't even have kids my age) about a quarter of a mile away.

I had woods, a pond, a dairy farm across the street, and acres of play area. I read books, I played pretend, I mowed the grass (on a riding lawn mower so it was more fun than work!). I probably complained as much as my own kids do. Except there was only one of me.

Now I have to watch who they're talking to on social media. I have to explain to them over and over again (because Heaven forbid any of them actually listen the FIRST time) about the dangers of predators who are not who they say they are.

I can't just drop them off at the mall, they could get shot. I can't let them go to the park until the street lights come on because I have to worry about them getting robbed. Even letting them walk to a friend's house incites a twenty minute conversation about being aware of your surroundings.

What the hell has the world come to?

"Never mind, I'll turn the WiFi back on."

~Kim